Sustainability remains highly desirable yet unattainable. Sustainable construction is about application
of sustainable development in the construction industry. The traditional focus of sustainability literature
was on environmental issues due to its more tangible nature. Sustainability, in its broader meaning,
incorporates many different but interrelated dimensions, including social, economic, and environmental
dimensions. Nevertheless, the interpretation of the issues underpinning the different dimensions of
sustainability depends significantly on the context as the needs and the conditions of the developed
countries are widely different from those of the developing world. In the context of the UK
construction industry, the need to address sustainability in construction procurement strategies is
increasingly acknowledged. This paper draws upon review and synthesis of the relevant literature,
discussion with professionals and experience of authors on various projects. The paper explores the
issues underpinning the social dimension of sustainable construction in the context of developed
countries and in particular the UK. It also proposes potential directions that procurement strategies
could take in attaining the objectives of the social dimension of sustainable construction and presents
some constraints to taking such actions. The paper provides a theoretical framework for further
research to realise social objectives of sustainable construction through procurement strategies.

Description:

This is a conference paper. It was presented at the International Symposium on Procurement Systems (2005 : University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and the proceedings are available from: http://cibworld.xs4all.nl/dl/ib/0501/PubW092.html